Sam13

Hi, we're just doing our research but at the moment it looks like Auckland might be my only option for the particular area of nursing I'm in. It wouldn't be our first choice of area to live but we don't have much option unless I choose to change fields.

Anyway, based on the fact that I do shift work so wouldn't be commuting in at rush hours, and I currently need to allow an hour to get to where I work in the centre of a busy city in the Uk, what kind of areas/distances would you recommend as being do-able in that timeframe so we can look at realistic rent prices? I remember NZ roads as generally being slower from when we were on holiday there (although we were one of those awful slow tourists in a motorhome 😳)

To get to Starship hospital does any one have any thoughts on whether being north or south of the city would be a simpler commute? Thanks for your help!

simonsi

There are rural lifestyle blocks, suburbia, coastal waterfront and city apartment living (etc etc), all within a 1hr non-peak commute of Starship - depends on why Auckland (a big varied place), "wouldn't be your first choice". Perhaps say what lifestyle you are after and locals can advise where that may be found within the required commute...?

Many service specialisms don't exist in the far-flung rural reaches of NZ due to the low population there.

garethwm

Karaka / Ramarama in south with rural / lifestyle areas, to Starship offpeak (7pm to 6.30 am) 30 mins. Maybe 40 mins between 10am and 2.30pm. Onpeak up to 80 mins.

garethwm

Maybe add 10 mins to all those times depending on how far from the motorway you are living.

Sam13

Thankyou all that's really helpful; The distances on maps tell you nothing useful.

I say that Auckland would not be our first choice as its a city and we are not really city dwellers, we'd rather be in a smaller community, town or village, preferably near the sea, but obviously that comes at a price.

We have lived in London for several years, and I know from being there that Auckland is not on the same scale in terms of crazy busy-ness, but we prefer smaller areas, like where we have been for the last few years,where people recognise each other in the street. I'd also prefer not to pay the premium rental prices that Auckland or other big cities incur! Thanks again

desmondo84

Could check out beachlands - ferry to city about 30 mins then bus up to hospital. My wife does it 3 days a week. Coastal and a bit more chilled than the city although it is developing.

Sam13

Thanks Desmond, I'll look into Beachlands

Sam13

Gareth, seeing lots of houses in Pukekohe and noticed that's in the same kind of region as you mentioned...is that worth looking at? And I also noticed train lines on the map around here, are the trains fairly reliable for commuting on? I know where we are, they look OK on paper but are over priced, over crowded and late mostly! Thanks

bramble22

Pukekohe is a lovely town and getting bigger by the minute. The shops are really good and yes there is a train station there however it is not part of the Electric Line yet so it is a little bit of a pain to get to as you have to get on a train in the city to Papakura then get off and get on another train at Papakura to get to Pukekohe. Loads of people do it and some people just drive from Pukekohe to Papakura to save that train change.

Trains are fairly reliable and they are every 10 minutes in peak hours. I have only once had to stand for the first 10-15 minutes coming from the city but as you would be the first station on at Papakura you always get a seat coming into the city. It costs $6 one way from Papakura to Britomart (last stop approx 55 min journey)

The website https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/journey-planner/ will help you see the journey times, prices and where the trains stop.

Hope that helps

Sam13

Thanks bramble, that's so helpful. Prices seem a little closer to what would be realistic for us there as we need a 4 bedroom. I assume commuting times by car would be just a few minutes more than those that Graham mentioned above for Ramarama? Or do most people tend to commute by public transport into Auckland?

garethwm

Pukekohe to City by car offpeak about 40mins. Generally the Auckland culture is to drive your own car into work, hence the gridlock between 7.30 and 9 am. But people do use public transport, definitely.

leandra21

What about Whangarei? They have an hospital and it is a nice mid-size town close to the sea.

desmondo84

Pukekohe as said above is quite nice. Some friends build a house on a lifestyle block out by Ararimu - they like it but a bit chilly and wet for me down there as you're next to the Hanua's.

Sam13

Will look into Whangarei, thanks Leandra. I could only work in Auckland with the speciality I do now, but could look need to look into different specialities if needed.

Thanks Desmondo, chilly and wet sounds just like here!

jmh

I recommend Pukekohe too, but be careful. There are some lovely parts but some parts I wouldn't touch. You'll be able to tell when you drive around. I think the train line will be electrified in due course which will push up prices even more.